Itinerary

DAY

LOCATION(S)

HOTEL

MEALS

DESCRIPTION

Day 1

Turpan, China

None

Dinner

Commence the tour with a morning pick-up at the Urumqui Hotel, before heading off to see some of the major sites around Turpan, including the famous Turpan Depression, Emin Minaret Gaochang Ancient City, and the impressive Aydingkol Lake, at the bottom of Turpan Basin (the lowest point in the country). After a full day’s tour of this historic city, head back to the three-star hotel for your first night’s sleep of the trip.

Day 2

Turpan, China

None

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Another day dedicated to sightseeing around the ancient city of Turpan, one in which early settlement has been traced back as far as 6,000 years. After breakfast, take to the road to visit to one of the world’s historical wonders – the World Heritage Site of Jiaohe, an ancient settlement between two rivers perched on a cliff top above the valley. Continue to see the "1,000 Buddha" Cave Mountains Temple Bizalkik within 15 minutes from the city center, before heading back to the hotel.

Day 3

Qitai, China

None

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Take time for breakfast and check out of your hotel in Turpan; today is when the epic overland adventure really begins as you say goodbye to the city and head to the remote town of Qitai. The drive takes you past stunning scenery and through the majestic, snowcapped Tien Shan Mountains. Arrive in good time and check-in to your two-star hotel .

Day 4

Qinghe Xian, China

None

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The 200-mile drive on day four is just as spectacular as yesterday’s, taking you from the town of Qitai to the more built-up Qinghe Xian. Journey through the Gurban-Yungut desert (Western Gobi) and stop off at the famous Multicolored Bay – an impressive area of land full of rocks of all shapes, sizes and colors. Check in to your two-star hotel for a well-earned rest.

Day 5

Uench, Mongolia

None

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The route on day five takes you further into the wilderness in the incredibly remote Western Gobi Desert. Around half-way through the itinerary, and it’s time for your second country: Mongolia. After border formalities, head on to Uench/Bulgan where you’ll be spending the night in a traditional ‘yurt’ camp.

Day 6

Hovd, Mongolia

None

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wake up and enjoy breakfast outside, surrounded by the remote desert landscape after a memorable night spent in the yurts. Pack up camp and head out of the Gobi desert towards the Mongolian Altai Mountains. The drive goes through one of the most sparsely populated regions of Mongolia, with the day’s final destination being the much more built-up Hovd, which has shops, restaurants and hotels.

Day 7

Ulgii, Mongolia

None

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hit the road again on the morning of day seven, this time heading north towards Ulgi, near the border with Russia. On the way to Ulgi, stop for lunch near the picturesque Lake Tolbo, which boasts clear and cold waters high up in the mountains. The night will be spent in a hotel in Ulgi, where there’s also chance for dinner and some free time.

Day 8

Ulgii, Mongolia

None

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Russia, the third and final country of this trip, will be reached today. After making your way to the border and completing all the crossing formalities, head on past the famous Chuysky Tract - once the main trade route of Russia and Mongolia and now one of the remotest areas of the country - and stop along the way for a scenic picnic lunch. Reach the mountainous settlement of Chibit and spend the night at an eco-camp.

Day 9

Ulgii, Mongolia

None

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Continue driving along the famous Chuysky Tract, passing stunning valleys and panoramic viewpoints with each turn. In the ancient times, the Chuysky Tract route was the path of Tatar-Mongolian forces led by Genghis Khan. This truly is one of the most spectacular roads in Russia, and the time spent travelling to Lake Aya on this ninth day is well worth it. Once you have reached the lake, have dinner and check into your three-star hotel.

Day 10

Novosibirsk, Russia

None

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The morning trip will finally lead you to the end of the awe-inspiring Chuysky Tract and to the unofficial capital of Siberia – Novosibirsk. There’s time for sightseeing and free time for the rest of the day in what is Russia’s third-largest city (after Moscow and St. Petersburg). The city also offers far more comfort and convenience than many of the stops on this trip, and the night will be spent in the four-star Novosibirsk Hotel.

Day 11

Novosibirsk, Russia

None

Breakfast

After a week and a half of exploring this incredible part of the world, it’s time to say your goodbyes and head onwards. Take breakfast at the hotel and check out, before making your way to the airport (via private transportation) for your onwards flight. International connections go to Urumqi, Beijing, Hong Kong, Almaty, Astana, Tashkent, Istanbul, Frankfurt, Prague, as well as domestic departures to all over Russia.

Exclusively for Virtuoso Guests

VIP Arrival

The following VIP services are complimentary for all Virtuoso guests upon arrival at participating airports.

Meet and greet as you disembark the aircraft

Luggage assistance

Escort through immigration and customs formalities

Escort to your private guide

Further services may be available, contingent upon individual airport regulations. Please enquire for further details.

Tour Features

Experience(s)

Experiences have not been selected at this time

Description

Adventure-seekers looking to get off the beaten path are in for a real treat with this 11-day journey through Northern China, Western Mongolia and Russia. Starting in China, you’ll venture on through both the Altai Mountains and the remote Gobi Desert into Mongolia, taking advantage of the recently opened border between the two countries. From the ancient Chinese city of Turpan, you’ll stop off at Qitai, Qinghe Xian, Hovd, Ulgi, and Lake Aya before eventually making it to Russian Siberia’s unofficial capital of Novosibirsk. The trip allows time to see the traditions of local people, and is perfect for those who love to venture through rocky deserts and tackle towering mountains.

Highlights

See the incredible ancient Chinese city of Turpan in all its glory, including visits to the world famous Turpan Depression

Tackle the incredibly remote Western Gobi Desert and spend the night in yurts

Have a picnic lunch at the mountainous Lake Tolbo on the way to the Russian-Mongolian border

Cross the Russian-Mongolian border before venturing along the awe-inspiring Chuysky Tract

About Us

Remote Lands creates highly personalized itineraries with extraordinary experiences for discerning travelers, based on their own passions, interests and needs. The world’s most elite travel advisors rely on us for our deep knowledge of Asia and entrust us with their highly discerning clients, from celebrities to CEO’s, Wall Street titans to professional athletes. We are available to travel advisors 24/7 from the initial consultation to the day your clients return from Asia.

By: Mike53-Birmingham

Reviewed on: 27 Nov 2013

Perfect

By: Dustin and Eli

Reviewed on: 20 Mar 2018

Remote Lands coordinated our trip and made the experience worry-free. All of our transfers and guides were on time, professional, kind and even went above and beyond when a couple of unexpected needs arose. Thank you!

Recommended

Taiwan 2018 trip

By: Cindi

Reviewed on: 29 Mar 2018

Wonderful experience! This was my daughter’s senior trip prior to going away to college and it was everything I’d hoped it would be. Great guide, driver, travel agent, etc. Overall a very positive experience!!

far east

By: Mike

Reviewed on: 18 May 2018

Japan

By: Joel and Kathy

Reviewed on: 17 Jun 2018

The Remote Lands Guides were excellent. The cars used for transportation were roomy and clean. The hotels were 5 star and their attention to detail was over the top.
There was only perfection from the people we met and it was also comforting to know that our trip was being carefully monitored by Remote Lands supervisors every step of the way.
We would recommend Remote Lands to anyone needing exceptional service in Asia.